Queen of the Damned

14

As usual, the nightmares began.

Eleanora's POV (only for the nightmare):

My sword was nowhere to be seen, Nico was barely clinging to life, and I was surrounded by monsters. I tried to use my powers, but I was too weak. And to make it better, the gods weren't listening.

One of the monsters grabbed Nico by his neck and squeezed. I felt my brother's life force diminish before it disappeared completely. I saw the Fates cut his string. A scream sounded, and it took me a moment to realize it was my own.

I couldn't breathe. Suddenly, without realizing it, I killed every monster in sight, banishing them to the Underworld, to Tartarus, for good. I took a moment to see what I'd done and the weight of it hit me. Without another thought crossing my mind, I passed out.

Third Person POV:

Eleanora jolted awake with a scream. Her door opened and Melissa ran in. "Is everything okay, sweetheart?"

Eleanora shook her head and was pulled into Melissa's arms, but she pulled away, not wanting to be touched.

Panic rose, and Eleanora felt like she couldn't breathe. A new set of arms embraced her and she struggled, but they didn't let go. She felt a hand on the back of her head and a familiar voice asked, "Eleanora. Talk to me. What's wrong?"

"Nic -- Nico -- dead-" Eleanora managed.

Stiles rubbed a hand up and down her back. "It's okay. Nico's fine."

Tears started falling as she said, "Don't lie to me." She paused. "You didn't have to come."

He just shook his head. "Yes I did. Scott told me you were freaking out, and I rushed over here, as fast as I could. I'm not lying. Are you okay?"

Eleanora looked down, still feeling the effects of the nightmare. She felt short of breath, knowing an anxiety attack was coming on. "Hey, Eleanora, it's okay. I'm here. Nico is safe. Do me a favor and breathe with me."

He started making exaggerated breaths, and she repeated his movement. She slowly calmed down. Eleanora sat at the other end of the bed, away from him, and said, "Thanks. I'm sorry for that."

Stiles shook his head. "Don't be. I got panic attacks a lot after my mom's death."

Eleanora let out a sigh. "That was an anxiety attack. I barely remember my mom. She died when I was a little girl."

"How?"

"That, I don't remember. Hey, um, I know this is a stretch, but can you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"I, uh, I was wondering if you'd stay with me tonight. I don't want to have another nightmare about my brother dying."

Stiles smiled. "Of course I will. I'll take the floor."

---

At school the next morning, Eleanora walked between Lydia and Allison. Allison looked over Eleanora at Lydia. "You really don't remember anything?"

Lydia shook her head. "They call it a fugue state, which is basically a way of saying "We have no idea why you can't remember running through the woods naked for two days." But personally, I don't care. I lost nine pounds."

Eleanora was silent for a moment before asking, "Are you ready for this?"

The strawberry blonde looked at Allison. "Please. It's not like my aunt's a serial killer."

They entered the school and everyone turned to look at her, zoning in on Lydia with a cold silence. Allison offered her a smile. "Maybe it's the nine pounds."